Short films

BRACE

TRIGGER WARNING, Violent and Homophobic content!! After coming out and leaving his girlfriend, Adam dreams of finding acceptance within London's gay scene. His burgeoning freedom is soon challenged when he meets Rocky, a handsome stranger who is harboring a secret that he desperately wants to share with Adam. As their bond strengthens and Rocky prepares to reveal his secret to Adam, their fledgling romance is ruptured by a cataclysmic event that forces the truth to come out in the most explosive manner.

When dating, what are we looking at, what are we looking for in a person? What would make us revise our decision? What are obstacles we thought would be huge, but if we think about them, aren’t? This story is about a trans person, but it’s also about re-evaluating our mindset about interpersonal relationships in general.

Still me

From the filmmakers of 'MASKED', 'Still Me' follows the story of a non-binary teenager (Bailey). After coming to terms with their identity it's time for them to come out at school and navigate what this means for their social life. However, this proves harder than they anticipate and Bailey is faced with a choice between social ridicule or the closet. Luckily, Bailey makes a new friend named Zach.

Even though, this story is told from a non-binary perspective, it’s about identity and belonging, so not only non-binary folks should be able to immerse in this story. While sexual orientation gets somewhat accepted in the western world, gender identity is still less talked about and less understood by those, unaffected by it.

Feature films

Prayers for Bobby

Prayers for Bobby is a televised drama film that premiered on the Lifetime network on January 24, 2009. The film is based on the book of the same name by Leroy F. Aarons, which is itself based on the true story of the life and legacy of Bobby Griffith, a gay teen who killed himself in 1983 due to his mother's homophobia. Ryan Kelley stars as Bobby Griffith and Sigourney Weaver portrays his mother Mary.

CN suicide

NGL, this movie was an emotional roller coaster ride for me. So intense, like almost no other movie I’ve seen. I love, that not everything is fine, but everyone tries to make the best out of the situation—that’s how life is

The Matthew Shepard Story

The Matthew Shepard Story is a 2002 made-for-television film directed by Roger Spottiswoode, based on the true story of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay youth who was murdered in 1998. The film scenario written by John Wierick and Jacob Krueger, it starred Shane Meier as Matthew and Stockard Channing as Judy Shepard and Sam Waterston as Dennis Shepard.

CN Suicide, death sentence

Like in Prayers for Bobby, we see the titular character alive in the beginning and form a connection with him. We witness his death, and then we follow along his parent’s grieving process. In this case, Judy and Dennis almost drift apart when it comes to the question if they wish the death sentence for Matthews murderers

Web series

Falling for Angels

The creative diaspora has converged in Southern California to shape the 21st Century in the most dynamic and diverse city in the USA. Gay men of every color and type explore the Los Angeles dating scene, chronicling the various stages of relationships that inhabit each distinct neighborhood and navigating the issues of sexual health, wellness, and sex positivity. Each of the six episodes is located within a neighborhood, focusing on characters authentic to: Boyle Heights, Koreatown, Leimert Park, Silver Lake, Bel-Air, and Malibu. 'Falling For Angels' is both a dynamic reflection of dating and love today and a love letter to the city of Los Angeles.

Each episode is a cinematic masterpiece on its own. Storytelling-wise, they tackle topics and don’t shy away to also show uncomfortable sides of it.

Artists/music

Julian Hornik

Julian Hornik is a composer, lyricist, and librettist based in Brooklyn, NY.

He wrote the book, music and lyrics for Tenn, a musical based on the early life of Tennessee Williams. His musical Deathbed Edition premiered at Ars Nova’s 2019 ANT Fest.

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Queer artist, who writes songs and musicals about queer people, including drag queen Shayna Maidel, Peter Doyle, Tennessee Williams, and many more.

Ben J. Pierce/Miss Benny

Texas-born, Los Angeles-based independent songwriter and producer Miss Benny is a 20-year old androgynous pop phenomenon with a cult-like following stemming from every pocket of the internet. A self-proclaimed “teenage party favor,” Miss Benny explores the budding sexuality of newfound adulthood through the lens of a young, vibrant queer romantic.

Besides creative music videos, also their lyrics are often sociocritical and the music catchy

YouTubers

Quinn Birkholz/Quinn T. Sensual

Self-proclaimed “local birate gender anarchist” who educates about gender, sex (like in “getting laid”) and other LGBT* topics.

Calls a spade a spade, videos are well-researched and give an in-depth view on the topic.

NOAHFINNCE

Noah Finn Adams (born: August 18, 1999 [age 22]), better known as NOAHFINNCE is an English vlogger and musician.

Noah is a trans YouTuber who first started his channel with covers. Starting with his transition, he focussed on this journey in his videos for a while, until he released his first album. Continuing with his music career, he also now and then does vlogs on trans topics

I'm Gay - Eugene Lee Yang

Miss Benny cowboy

Eugene comes out as gay in his original, deeply personal music video, featuring music by ODESZA.

This music video is 200 % art, astonishing visual storytelling, let alone an important message.